There comes a time in the life of many musicians where playing live is a very possible reality. Whether that be if you have written your own songs as a solo artist or play with a band or any other type of group. The problem is, many musicians do not know where to begin when finding a place to play. Although this can be a difficult thing to do on some occasions, here are some tips on how to get your first gig.
NETWORKING:
Networking is one of the most important aspects in getting your first gig. While networking is important in all parts of the music world, it is especially important when it comes to booking gigs. A great place to start is to talk to other local musicians in the same scene you are interested in. This will give you a great foot in the door when it comes to meeting venue managers and people with connections to a multitude of venues. This will allow you to establish relationships and meet new people as well. The hardest part of networking is finding the motivation and confidence to put yourself out there, which can be very rewarding if you put in the time and work.
EXPLORE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY:
Exploring your local community is another great way to start the process of getting your first gig. This can be as simple as seeing what venues are near you, and just walking in and introducing yourself. This can help with finding the type of venue you want to play at and establishing first hand relationships with the people at those venues. Just like networking, this may take some time and hard work to do. Putting yourself out there as much as possible will greatly increase your chances of finding a gig. Playing your first gig should be one of the most exciting things in one’s career as a musician. It is something that you will remember forever. With a little hard work, you can make this happen and have fun while doing it.